Planned Parenthood fights to alleviate barriers to high-quality reproductive health care access. This includes amplifying Black voices and advocating for increased access to health care for Black communities, as they are disproportionately affected by barriers to care. Black Maternal Health Week, celebrated this year from April 11-17, was founded and is directed by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. Planned Parenthood is joining in on this initiative to emphasize the importance of awareness, activism, and community building to elevate the voices and experiences of Black Mamas and birthing people.
It is essential to shed light on the unique challenges faced by Black mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, as well as harmful restrictions to life-saving care, including abortion care.
Abortion bans, intensifying restrictions, and increasing criminalization of pregnancy loss are escalating at alarming rates, leading to adverse maternal and birth outcomes in the U.S. The states with the strictest abortion bans also report the poorest maternal and child health outcomes, particularly in the cases of Black women and birthing individuals, due to a lack of social welfare and family care programs. The Black community deserves maternal, sexual, and reproductive health care and improved accessibility in all regions and birthing environments.
Challenges Faced by Black Mothers
Several factors contribute to the disparities in maternal health outcomes among Black women and birthing people, including socioeconomic barriers, inadequate access to quality health care, implicit biases within the medical community, and systemic racism. These challenges often result in higher rates of maternal mortality, preterm births, and other adverse outcomes among Black mothers.
Empowering Black Mothers
At Planned Parenthood, we are committed to empowering Black mothers by providing comprehensive, high-quality health care that addresses their unique needs and challenges. Our team of dedicated health care professionals strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every mother feels heard, valued, and respected. Everyone deserves to control their body, life, and future.
Critical Initiatives for Black Maternal Health
During Black Maternal Health Week, we actively participate in initiatives to promote awareness, advocate for policy changes, and provide educational resources to empower Black mothers and communities. From amplifying educational workshops to collaborating with local organizations, we are dedicated to driving meaningful change and improving outcomes for Black mamas.
Supporting Black Maternal Health Year-Round
While Black Maternal Health Week serves as a crucial moment to amplify discussions surrounding Black maternal health, our commitment to supporting Black mothers extends beyond this week. We continuously work toward dismantling barriers to care, fostering equity in health care delivery, and advocating for policies prioritizing all mothers' well-being, regardless of race or ethnicity.
As we observe Black Maternal Health Week, we invite you to join us in raising awareness, advocating for change, and supporting Black mothers in our communities. We stand in solidarity with Black mothers and are committed to advancing health equity for all. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Black mothers and their families.
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